good buy?

[wasilvers]

Is 11k a good price for an 04 GX470 woth 77k on it? It was run up north (salted roads in winter). Just not sure if I should pull the trigger or not. Looks clean - no visible issues except wheel finish looks like crap (salt again).

Vin Decoder - Club Lexus Forums

Thanks!

 

[TahoeLX450]

Is 11k a good price for an 04 GX470 woth 77k on it? It was run up north (salted roads in winter). Just not sure if I should pull the trigger or not. Looks clean - no visible issues except wheel finish looks like crap (salt again).

Vin Decoder - Club Lexus Forums

Thanks!

11K for 77K miles seems reasonable to me. It does really depend upon condition-- especially rust. Not only cancer rust in the floors and fenders etc. Rusty bolts that break are really a pain when adding off road equipment or just working on the vehicle. Personally, I would stay away from a rusty vehicle. However, it's not clear, from your description if the vehicle you're considering has much rust. We would really need more information, like service records, AND photos to help you out. Timing belt will need replaced in about 13K miles I believe. Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds car evaluator would also be helpful to see if you're in the ball park. Lastly, paying a mechanic to evaluate the vehicle is well worth the cost so you know what you'r in for or to walk away.

 

[wasilvers]

11K for 77K miles seems reasonable to me. It does really depend upon condition-- especially rust. Not only cancer rust in the floors and fenders etc. Rusty bolts that break are really a pain when adding off road equipment or just working on the vehicle. Personally, I would stay away from a rusty vehicle. However, it's not clear, from your description if the vehicle you're considering has much rust. We would really need more information, like service records, AND photos to help you out. Timing belt will need replaced in about 13K miles I believe. Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds car evaluator would also be helpful to see if you're in the ball park. Lastly, paying a mechanic to evaluate the vehicle is well worth the cost so you know what you'r in for or to walk away.

Thanks, I scanned underneath and it isn't in too bad of shape. The exhaust is the worst of course. Most bolts only seem to have surface rust. No visible rust was noticed. Tried to look at the engine compartment, but they had that stupid cover on it. I peeked underneath and it is typical for this area. Not as bad as some or as good as others.

My last Toyota was a 96 LC and it started showing some rust bubbles at 17 years. If the 2004 is like that, then I would be fine. Kept by doctors and seems to be well maintained. Tight driving, no noises, everything works. It is in KBB range.

 

[NMBruce]

I just paid $14,900 for a California GX470, dealer maintained with 112k miles in very good shape.

The deal seems good, if it has good records and if your happy with what you see. I am originally from Chicago, so I am very worried about rust in cars.

 

[GXO]

If you live in the rust belt and it is acceptable in terms of rust and care ...that is a good price for sure.

 

[Marc311]

I think Dan Kunz hit it on the head. Given that you live in WI, if you aren't willing to travel to get a Western vehicle then you obviously have to accept some level of rust. Seems the price is pretty good for the location. Although the timing belt is due at 90K, I believe there is also a time component of 10 years. Either way, I think I would plan on replacing it sooner rather than later although I doubt it is going to fail anytime soon. The other thing would be getting a 2005 rather than an 04. The 05s get a nice bump in power and you may find it worth it to accept a few more miles in order to get an 05+. But I would agree with the others, the price seems right if all else checks out (accidents, maintenance, and the suspension in good shape, etc).